OpenPhone (Quo) vs Google Voice: which should you choose?
Quick answer: OpenPhone (Quo) is built for startups, while Google Voice suits google-workspace. For most users OpenPhone (Quo) is the stronger default, but Google Voice can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case. Google Voice has the lower entry price.
If you're weighing OpenPhone (Quo) against Google Voice, the right answer depends on your priorities. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| OpenPhone (Quo) | Google Voice | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Virtual Phone | Virtual Phone |
| What it's known for | Lightweight business phone and virtual number app (rebranded Quo) with shared numbers, team inboxes and AI call notes, popular with startups and SMBs. | Simple business phone numbers integrated with Google Workspace, with low flat per-user pricing and basic call routing. |
| Pricing | ~$15/user/mo Starter, ~$23/user/mo Business, ~$35/user/mo Scale (annual) | ~$10/user/mo Starter (max 10 users), ~$20/user/mo Standard, ~$30/user/mo Premier (Workspace add-on) |
| Best audience | Startups and small teams wanting a simple shared business number with light AI. | Small teams and Google Workspace shops needing basic, low-cost business numbers. |
| Best for | startups, small-business | google-workspace, budget |
| Entry price | ~$15/user/mo (annual) | ~$10/user/mo |
| Biggest strength | Simple, modern UX popular with startups and SMBs. | Simple and tightly integrated for Google Workspace users. |
| Main caveat | AI summaries, IVR and CRM integrations require the Business tier. | Requires a separate Google Workspace subscription on top of the Voice license. |
Features compared
Beyond the spec sheet, these are the capabilities that define each tool:
OpenPhone (Quo) key features
- Lightweight business phone with shared numbers and team inboxes
- Unlimited calling and texting within US and Canada
- AI call summaries and transcripts on Business+
- Sona AI voice agent that answers calls 24/7 (1,000 automation credits/mo per plan)
Google Voice key features
- Business phone numbers integrated with Google Workspace
- Voicemail transcription and basic US calling/texting
- Auto attendants and ring groups on Standard and above
- SIP-compatible desk phone support on Standard
Pricing tiers side by side
OpenPhone (Quo) plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | ~$15/user/mo (annual) | Unlimited US/Canada calls/texts, one number/user, 10 Sona AI calls/mo |
| Business | ~$23/user/mo (annual) | AI summaries/transcripts, IVR, HubSpot/Salesforce, call recording |
| Scale | ~$35/user/mo (annual) | AI call tags, dedicated onboarding, priority support |
Google Voice plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | ~$10/user/mo | Max 10 users / 10 domestic locations, no call recording |
| Standard | ~$20/user/mo | Unlimited users, auto attendants, ring groups, desk phones |
| Premier | ~$30/user/mo | Auto call recording, unlimited intl locations, BigQuery analytics |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where OpenPhone (Quo) wins
A clean, startup-friendly business phone with shared numbers and a built-in AI agent (Sona).
- Simple, modern UX popular with startups and SMBs.
- Shared numbers and team inboxes built in.
That makes it the stronger pick for startups and small teams wanting a simple shared business number with light AI.
Where Google Voice wins
The simplest business phone for teams already living in Google Workspace.
- Simple and tightly integrated for Google Workspace users.
- Low flat per-user pricing.
That makes it the stronger pick for small teams and Google Workspace shops needing basic, low-cost business numbers.
Verdict: choose by fit
Both are good at the job, so let your priorities decide.
- Choose OpenPhone (Quo) if you fit its core audience — startups and small teams wanting a simple shared business number with light AI.
- Choose Google Voice if you fit its core audience — small teams and Google Workspace shops needing basic, low-cost business numbers.
FAQ
Is OpenPhone (Quo) better than Google Voice?
OpenPhone (Quo) is the stronger default for most users, but Google Voice can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between OpenPhone (Quo) and Google Voice?
OpenPhone (Quo) is a clean, startup-friendly business phone with shared numbers and a built-in AI agent (Sona). Google Voice is the simplest business phone for teams already living in Google Workspace.
Which is cheaper, OpenPhone (Quo) or Google Voice?
Entry pricing differs: OpenPhone (Quo) starts at ~$15/user/mo (annual), while Google Voice starts at ~$10/user/mo. Compare the tiers above against your usage.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for OpenPhone (Quo) and Google Voice: